realtor.com - Interest rates on key loans had trended downward over the last month because of ongoing recovery concerns, particularly the Fed’s decision to continue its bond-buying stimulus program. The latest increase is attributed to the fact that the government shutdown has prevented the release of various economic reports that influence the bond market and mortgage rates.

The average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage loan rose 0.01 percentage point this week, according to the latest survey from mortgage buyer Freddie Mac. After dropping to 4.22 percent a week ago, its lowest mark since June 20, the 30-year fixed is now trending at 4.23 percent. It had previously fallen for three consecutive weeks. A year ago, the 30-year average was 3.39 percent – a

money.cnn.com - The rate for a 30-year, fixed loan fell to 4.32% from 4.5%, according to a weekly survey from Freddie Mac.

While that represents only a small savings for borrowers - $21 a month on a $200,000 balance - it's still good news for the housing market. Mortgage rates have been moving higher in the last few months, which analysts feared could put the brakes on the real estate recovery.

In the past month, rates have been on the rise and they are expected to continue to climb.

This week, the average rate on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage jumped another 10 percentage points to 3.91% and are up from 3.3% in early May, according to mortgage giant Freddie Mac. Meanwhile, those seeking a 15-year loan received an average rate of 3.03%, up from 2.56% -- a record low.

U.S. mortgage rates rose, pushing borrowing costs for a 30-year loan to the highest in six weeks.

The average rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage climbed to 3.51 percent in the week ended today, up from 3.42 percent and the highest since early April, McLean, Virginia-based Freddie Mac (FMCC) said in a statement. The average 15-year rate increased to 2.69 percent from 2.61 percent.

latimes.com - Mortgage interest rates finished out the year near record lows, helping fuel the housing market’s modest recovery.

The average rate for a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage was 3.35%, down slightly from 3.37%, Freddie Mac said in its weekly survey. This week’s rate is close to the 3.31% rate hit earlier this year, the lowest since records begin in 1971.

washington examiner. com - Mortgage interest rates seem to seesaw from week to week but still are drifting down and recently hit several new lows.

The Federal Reserve has said it will continue to intervene to keep rates low until employment rises to a level it considers adequate -- and major players in the financial markets are taking it at its word.

Freddie Mac had an average contract interest rate the week before Thanksgiving of 3.31 percent, and its economists project rates will remain below 4 percent until 2014.